Foreign artists face tighter tax, licensing rules

As anticipation builds for Gwamba’s Landlord Pakwawo concert featuring Nigerian singer Ruger, authorities have tightened enforcement of tax and licensing requirements for foreign artists performing in Malawi.

Event organizers bringing foreign musicians to Malawi will have to meet stricter tax and regulatory requirements or risk penalties, as authorities move to tighten compliance in the entertainment industry.

In a joint public notice, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA), Malawi Censorship Board (MCB) and Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) warned that anyone engaging foreign artists must comply with tax, copyright and entertainment laws before hosting performances.

The agencies said payments made to non resident artists for performances, appearances, endorsements and other activities in Malawi are subject to a final withholding tax of 15 percent under the Taxation Act.

“Payments made to foreign artists for performances and related engagements in Malawi are subject to tax in accordance with the Taxation Act.

“Under Section 11 of the Taxation Act, the income of a person includes all amounts received from a source within Malawi, including any capital gain. Such income is assessable for tax purposes unless specifically exempted under the provisions of the Act,” reads the notice.

They said event promoters, managers, companies and institutions making or facilitating payments are legally required to deduct the tax and remit it immediately to MRA.

Authorities further said organisers must obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate before transferring funds to foreign artists outside Malawi, saying banks will only process such payments after proof of tax compliance.

Beyond tax obligations, COSOMA reminded organisers that all public performances involving foreign artists require a copyright licence and payment of the prescribed licence fees before the event takes place.

The society said the licensing process protects creators’ rights, ensures fair payment of royalties and supports the growth of Malawi’s creative economy.

The Malawi Censorship Board also said organisers must secure an entertainment permit before staging events involving foreign artists.

“Organizers are encouraged to engage COSOMA well in advance of their events to facilitate timely processing, avoid inconveniences and ensure that performances are conducted within the legal framework,” the organizations said.

According to the board, the permit helps ensure public safety, proper crowd control, fire safety measures, protection of minors and compliance with Malawi’s cultural values.

The four institutions warned that failure to comply with the legal requirements could result in penalties, revocation of permits or other legal action.

MUM backed the move, saying stronger regulation will promote fairness, protect local artists, improve revenue collection and encourage a transparent entertainment industry while still supporting international cultural exchange.

The Landlord Pakwao Concert is set to take over Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on August 1, 2026, with Nigerian superstar Ruger leading a packed line-up assembled for a night that will also celebrate Gwamba’s musical journey.